According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Ernesto had top sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and had weakened to a Category 1 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale by the time it approached.
The Bermuda Weather Service stated, "Ernesto remains a large and powerful hurricane, with only slight weakening expected as it continues its north-northeastward track."
Electric utility BELCO reported that the storm led to nearly island-wide power outages, affecting about 26,100 of approximately 36,000 customers by 9 a.m. (1300 GMT).
By 8 a.m. (1200 GMT), the storm was situated roughly 15 miles (25 km) north-northeast of Bermuda, an archipelago with around 64,000 residents located over 600 miles off the South Carolina coast.
The hurricane is anticipated to gradually move away from Bermuda throughout Saturday, with its path projected to bring it near or east of Newfoundland by Monday night, according to the hurricane center.
The storm brought a hazardous storm surge expected to cause significant coastal flooding in parts of Bermuda, with rainfall predicted to reach up to 9 inches (225 mm), according to the hurricane center. This could lead to "considerable life-threatening flash flooding," particularly in the island's low-lying areas.
On Friday, BELCO recalled its repair crews due to the dangerous conditions, halting their work in the field.
Previously classified as a Category 2 storm, Ernesto was expected to maintain its current strength throughout Saturday, with potential re-intensification later in the weekend before weakening is anticipated to start on Monday, the hurricane center reported. The Bermuda Weather Service also warned that winds might temporarily decrease significantly before rapidly intensifying to hurricane force again as the storm’s eye moves north and the winds shift to the west.
Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s national security minister, reported that the government had received numerous reports of people venturing out during the storm and urged residents to stay indoors. “We have passed through the eye of Hurricane Ernesto, and the weather is worsening again,” he told reporters.
BELCO President Wayne Caines also warned against becoming “lulled into a false sense of security.” He noted, “Reports of downed poles and power lines are coming in, which are extremely dangerous. It is crucial for people to avoid these areas and stay off the roads.”
Ocean swells from Ernesto were impacting Bermuda, the Bahamas, and parts of the U.S. East Coast, according to the hurricane center.
In New York, city parks and the National Park Service announced the closure of all beaches in Brooklyn and Queens to swimmers on Saturday and Sunday. The National Weather Service had forecast dangerous rip currents and swells of up to 6 feet, according to the mayor's office.
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